Patron – Philip Pullman

His Dark Materials author Philip Pullman announced as Patron of Literature Wales

The multi award-winning and critically acclaimed author of His Dark Materials, Philip Pullman, has been announced as the first Patron of Literature Wales. Philip Pullman was born in Norwich, and travelled with his family to Zimbabwe and Australia before settling in Llanbedr, Gwynedd. He attended secondary school at Ysgol Ardudwy in Harlech, before going on to study English at the University of Oxford.

The announcement was made in July 2016 to coincide with the release of Literature Wales’ new Business Plan. The document outlines our key strategic areas for 2016-2019: Participation; Children and Young People; Writer Support; International Profile; and Digital Creativity.

“Making it possible for school children to meet a professional writer (I don’t say ‘real’ writer, because children are real writers too) is one of the best ways of encouraging them to think that writing has a purpose, and brings pleasure, and can be a means of exciting discovery and a source of lasting satisfaction.” He continued, “It is also a great stimulus to reading. I strongly approve of the work being done by Literature Wales to bring children and professional writers together—it’s really beneficial for both parties.” – Philip Pullman

Literature Wales believes that all children in Wales should have the opportunity to enjoy and create literature whether that is on the page or through the spoken word. Initiatives such as the Young People’s Laureate Wales, Bardd Plant Cymru, Slam Cymru, and the Writers on Tour funding scheme make this a reality for many young people living in Wales.